Topical Bible: Manasseh:: Struck Down by Hazael

◄ Manasseh:: Struck Down by Hazael ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel, is named after the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). The tribe of Manasseh played a significant role in the history of Israel, with its territory divided between land on the east and west sides of the Jordan River. This entry focuses on a particular event involving the tribe of Manasseh during the reign of Hazael, king of Aram (Syria).

Historical Context

The period of the divided kingdom in Israel's history was marked by frequent conflicts with neighboring nations. One such adversary was Aram, whose king, Hazael, was a formidable opponent. Hazael's reign is noted for his military campaigns against Israel and Judah, as recorded in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Account

The Bible provides an account of Hazael's aggression against Israel during the reign of Jehu and his successors. In 2 Kings 10:32-33, the Berean Standard Bible states: "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward—all the land of Gilead (the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites)—from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan."

This passage highlights the impact of Hazael's campaigns on the tribes east of the Jordan, including the half-tribe of Manasseh. The territory of Manasseh, along with that of Gad and Reuben, suffered significant losses as Hazael expanded his influence over the region.

Theological Significance

The defeat of the Israelites by Hazael, including the tribe of Manasseh, is often interpreted as a consequence of Israel's disobedience to God. Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets warned Israel of the repercussions of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The incursions by foreign powers, such as Hazael's Aramean forces, served as a divine instrument of judgment and a call to repentance.

The reduction of Israel's territory under Hazael's hand underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and justice. Despite Israel's chosen status, the nation's security and prosperity were contingent upon their adherence to God's commandments. The loss experienced by the tribe of Manasseh and others east of the Jordan serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Conclusion

The episode of Manasseh being struck down by Hazael is a poignant chapter in the history of Israel. It reflects the broader narrative of Israel's struggle with faithfulness and the resulting divine discipline. The account serves as a historical and theological lesson, emphasizing the importance of covenant loyalty and the reality of divine retribution. Through these events, the biblical narrative calls readers to reflect on the nature of God's relationship with His people and the enduring call to faithfulness.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 10:33
From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... a raid across the north of Arabia, in the course of which Hazael, King of ... The
chronological reckoning of the native annalists, as handed down to us by Herodotus ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... The final blow was struck by Lugal-zaggi-si, the son of ... to the east of Ararat, they
swooped down upon the ... Esar-haddon had dealt leniently with Manasseh of Judah ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... to that issue that he had but to anoint Hazael to be ... set him, when, at one stroke,
he did beat down all (Job ... and soul, and all at once, seem to be struck at by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... barring its progress, as Ben-hadad and Hazael had arrested ... which bands of guerrillas
could slip down easily enough ... He at once struck his camp and marched out ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in another direction, "and spake again and said, See, there come people down by
the ... go out, I pray, now, and fight with him." The King of Manasseh had no ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm